Advice on Suburbs

I live in Roseville and I love the parks and the convenience of so many places (though not as convenient as living in St. Paul or Mpls.). We actually just bought property in Roseville (yes there is a little bit left) and are building a house next year. I am not a huge fan of the Roseville school district but it could be worse We actually are going to send our son to Harambee which is part of the East Metro Integration District. It is a public school that combines kids from 10 school districts and most of the places you listed participate so that is worth checking out as a school option. One thing to be careful of...I had a friend you bought a new house in Woodbury (but this is true of any of the new subdivision areas) and was able to watch it being built (it was not custom built). He was shocked at the shoddy construction practices being used (really cheap/weak construction, bare minimum for codes and even the inspectors would look past some things). He ended up selling it in a few years and buying an older house in New Brighton that had a big yard.

I have a good friend that lives in White Bear Lake and loves it. She likes that it has more of that St. Paul type feel. The area is very cute and nice smaller feeling. I lived in Roseville for awhile and loved the convience of the location but did not see the houses as newer or bigger there! I also have heard great things about Inver Grove Heights!

We have lived in White Bear Lake and White Bear Township for the past 15 years and love it. My husband commutes to Bloomington, but has no interest in moving closer to work. We have a sense of community and we've had a very positive experience with the school district.

A.- Woodbury has a lot of great spots- but keep in mind your commute from Minneapolis. Going east into Woodbury at nighttime rush hour is miserable. We live in IGH- small house (soon to remodel) on 3 acres with wetland in our back yard. I love it- no one ca n build behind us. Schools are great, neighborhood quiet. Good luck in your search!

We live in Shoreview and really love it! The library and community center are great, and it's in a terrific school district (Moundsview.) Plus the lakes and natural areas are beautiful. Good luck!

A.,

I know you didn't list Oakdale but that is where I live and love it (border of Oakdale and Lake Elmo). I actually grew up here moved away for a few years and than my husband and I decided to move and I wanted to come back here. My mom and 2 sisters also live in Oakdale... My oldest is in school along with all my nieces and nephew - we all love the school district - I grew up in the school district as well....

Woodbury is good too, alittle more expensive than Oakdale.